Some of our "new" favorite blogs

Edna: You know, I'm a big fan of bloggers. Being one myself, I know how hard it is to constantly come up with new and interesting content. It's also hard to find new and interesting blogs, but thank goodness there's no end to the creative and talented people out there in the Interwebs.

Here's one of my new favorites: No Pattern Required. I love the concept, it's all about "mid-century" and "vintage/retro." Now, in my day the kind of things she talks about were called "futuristic" and "space age" but I'll let the young lady have her fun. One of my favorite recent posts was where she picked a recipe from an old cookbook and tried it out on her husband. I gather she does this quite a bit, but this one was just hilarious, especially her husband's reaction after his first bite. Dear, you are a much braver cook than I am.

Margie, do you have a new favorite blog you want to talk about?

Margie: You just hold your horses, sister. First, you're not a real blogger because you're boring. I'm the one who finds the interesting content. Secondly, I have no doubt she's a braver cook than you and I expect she doesn't burn everything either.

Yes, I do have a blog I like. It's called Vixen Vintage. The fashions and the pictures remind me of my own vixen days. I was quite the fun lady as you well know. The gentlemen found me to be most enticing.

Edna: Oh, and I think we ALL know what "fun lady" is a euphemism for, you floozy. I will leave you your delusions about the reasons for your popularity since they keep you occupied and out of my hair for the most part.

I like that Vixen Vintage blog, too. You have to admire a modern girl who loves all things vintage. People had so much more style in the old days, and things were obviously much better constructed back then since they're still around. Today's junk breaks or rips as soon as you use it once.

I guess we're on a vintage kick, since another of my new favorite blogs is The Archive Digger. It's actually a nice mix of old and "new" news, if you will. Which I guess is a theme with our blogs today: modern folks with one foot in the past.

Margie: Well, that's better than having one foot in the grave, sister. People can look at us and see how well constructed we are for sure.

Edna: Hmm. I think "well constructed" is yet another euphemism for something, but I agree that the good things seem to stand the test of time.

We're On Facebook

Margie: Edna, I might as well live alone for all the company you are to me. You spend all your time playing that old Farmville game on Facebook. If you like farming that well, sister, I'll call Cousin T to bring you a hoe so you can make us a garden.

Edna: Margie, you bring that dictionary on over here to me, I want to show you the definition for the word "hypocrite". Who sets their alarm extra early in the morning so they can get to the computer first to check their crops? You, that's who!

I swan, folks, trying to get her away from Farmville is like trying to get her to stop looking at pictures of handsome cowboys: darn near impossible.

Margie: You always try to twist my words, Edna. I get up early to watch the news! Well, maybe I play a little bit.

If any cowboys out there want to friend me then come on over. We can feed the chickens together.

Edna: Folks, don't you friend her, friend me! I always send and return gifts, and I will fertilize your crops every day. Margie will just take your eggs and run the other direction. She'd steal your horses too, if she could.

Margie: Lying liar! You don't send me gifts and you try to steal my pumpkins too. I'll have you know that I don't steal horses!

Not unless the cowboy is attached.

Join us on Facebook.

Blog Appreciation Week: Humor

Edna: Folks, anyone who's met me will tell you how much I love to laugh. And Lord knows it has taken a good sense of humor to live with Margie all these years. I do have a handful of humorous blogs that I like to visit every day, and I definitely have some favorites.

Miss Kath over at Blurb from the Burbs never fails to make me smile. I love reading about her life and her take on everyday occurrences. And who wouldn’t love someone whose pet name for their husband is “Love Chunks”?

Margie, what about you? Even as sour as you are, I hear you laughing in front of the computer from time to time.

Margie: Lord a mercy, if you love to laugh then I'm a monkey. You're sour as a lemon. Maybe worse.

I laugh at Daisy the Curly Cat. I love the fashion shows Daisy puts on and she always has a riddle or joke. It will start your day off right.

Edna: Kiss my grits, you harpy. At least you’re right about Daisy. I swan, I think that cat has a fancier wardrobe than the two of us combined! And I just love Harley, too. The two of them together are mighty entertaining.

There are so many witty and talented bloggers on the interwebs, it never ceases to amaze me.

Margie: It never ceases to amaze me that you have no wit. You should check Canucklehead's blog. That's always good for a laugh. I think I'll go there now since you're a drag.

Edna: Fine by me, sourpuss. I’ll just head over to my favorite LOST blog, Dispatches from the Island. Our readers may have noticed it over there to the right in our blogroll, it’s written by Jorge Garcia who plays one of my favorite LOST characters, Hurley. Mr. Garcia not only shares behind-the-scenes tidbits, he often does so with a great deal of wit.

Margie, maybe you should go to that LOST island. No one can find you once you’re there, and I for one would not be sad about that.

Blog Appreciation Week: Food

Margie: Edna, I say we make this Blog Appreciation Week. There are so many wonderful blogs that we love. I sure have a lot of favorites. You know how I love cooking blogs. What do you think?

Edna: As much as it galls me to say this, I think you've got a great idea there. I love cooking blogs too, you know. In fact, I want to tell our readers all about this one I just found: Fresh from the... Jen posts a lot of yummy cookie recipes, but what I really like is that she alternates between baking and television show posts. And she's a Supernatural fan, too!

Margie, what are some of your favorite cooking blogs?

Margie: Well, I'm quite fond of Living the Gourmet. I've always enjoyed plain food but this blog has made me want to fancy up my cooking just a bit. I love pretty pictures too.

Edna: I think it would help us both if you fancied up your cooking. Maybe you could contact that nice blogger and they'd give you lessons? And pronto, I don't think I can stand another one of your boring tuna casseroles.

Actually, I've got a taste for some Italian food this evening. Got any blogs in mind that might fit the bill?

Margie: Nobody ever said you had to eat MY food. nitwit. If you stuff your face full of my casserole like you do then it can't be too boring. Why don't you burn something for dinner?

Here's a beautiful blog with lots of Italian recipes. Why don't you make one while I sip some wine and dream of Italian men? That sounds yummy.

Thank You

Margie: Edna and I were overwhelmed by all your comments and support. We thank you all.

Edna has gone to buy a new computer because she says a virus ate her motherlode or some such. All I did was sneeze on the dumb thing.

Anyway, I just want to add a few things about EC. First, customer service has never been a priority for them. They did away with comments being allowed on their blog then they took away the forum. Sounds like people who don't want to hear any negatives or even suggestions.

They forced folks to accept paid ads then tried to charge a fee if you didn't want them on your blog. This was handled as poorly as everything else they've ever done.

Mainly, we want to assure you all that we will be staying right here and we will continue to visit all of you. We look forward to your visits here. You all have wonderful blogs.

Please don't ask me to stop Edna from pestering you because she's too ornery and stubborn to listen to me.

Margie and Edna enter the 21st century

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that our blog is now available to view on your Kindle through amazon.com! Isn't that exciting? Now you can take our blog posts anywhere you'd take your Kindle; just imagine, no more traveling and wondering what the ladies have gotten up to while you were gone.

You can either follow the link here to purchase a month's subscription (you get a free 14-day trial first), or you can use our handy-dandy widget in the sidebar to the right.

As always, we'd be nothing without our readers, and we thank all of you for your continued enthusiasm and support.

Love, Margie and Edna

Top Droppers For April

We wish to thank all our top Entrecard droppers for April. Thank you for all your support.

Silver Sachet

1 Blog & 2 Sides

Split Rock Ranch

New Dilemma

Everyday Living

A Grateful Heart

The Chicago History Journal

Real Liberal Christian Church & Christian Commons

Things About Computer

verITableLIFE

Artisan Week: The Silver Sachet

Here at the Basement, we greatly admire those people with creativity and the talent to realize their creative dreams. And through Entrecard, we've been exposed to a great many artisans and the blogs that highlight their beautiful products. We'd like to spend this week talking about just a few of our favorite artisans and their creations.

Margie: Edna, let me tell you about this blog I happened upon. You see, it's called Silver Sachet so I went there looking for some nice sachet to put in my drawers. Lawsy me, it turns out to be a blog about jewelry.

Miriam has lovely silver jewelry and I think silver is most attractive. You know how Mama always said a nice piece of jewelry finishes a lady's outfit. She was right.

Miriam doesn't actually make this jewelry but she does select pieces that she thinks people will like. That saves time and money and we're too old to be out running from store to store. Let her go looking.

Anyway, Edna, I found this silver Unisex ring that you can buy me. It has a price you'll like too.

Sterling Silver Unisex 10MM Herringbone Band, $29.99

Margie: Edna, Unisex does mean one gentleman at a time. Right?

Edna: Margie, you are a shameless hussy and I'm not even going to dignify your last statement with a response. However, I do love silver jewelry, I always have, and you've picked a wonderful site to highlight today. But Margie, you'd better be nice to me or I won't buy you that ring for your birthday.

Margie and Edna's Thanks

Margie: Edna, I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving as I'm sure most people do. I hope our readers will share with us some of the things they're thankful for this holiday.

I am most thankful for my health. Having good health at our age might be considered a miracle. I try to eat healthy and drink my Special tea. That surely fights the germs.

I'm also grateful that I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I'm grateful for all my dear friends and everyone who visits us in the Basement.

What are you thankful for, Edna?

Edna: Well sister, I'm also thankful for all of our friends and family, and all of our lovely visitors here at the basement. You all keep two old ladies happy, so thank you.

I'm also thankful that as many bad things in this world that I've seen, I can still laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, you know, and it's kept me healthy and young at heart all these years.

Margie and Edna: Origins

Some of the more recent followers of Margie and Edna may not be aware of the ladies' humble beginnings, so today we'd like to shed a little light on their origins.

Margie and Edna's past began well before this blog did. They have their roots in a CBS television show, Jericho. In the spring of 2007, Jericho was canceled and fans got angry. What followed was a massive fan uprising. Ultimately, the nutty fan protest led CBS to change its mind and complete a shortened second season of the show. (Sadly, the show didn't survive its second season and was canceled again.) The "Save Jericho" campaign of 2007 took place largely online, with fans of the show making use of blogs and other resources such as Digg to spread the word about their show and its plight.

Margie and Edna debuted on the Remote Access television blog in August 2007, and made several repeat appearances there as well as on other blogs. (It should be noted that the characters of Margie and Edna never actually appear on the show itself. Rather, we created these two characters as a way to be able to comment on the show's action without the limitations of being in the show, which gave us a certain amount of freedom in what we could have the ladies discuss.) The two elderly sisters soon grew in popularity within the Jericho fandom, and in October 2007 a short video was created to illustrate their place in the community of Jericho.

We'd like to share that video with you today, and we hope you enjoy it. With the inception of this blog in March 2008, Margie and Edna were able to branch out from the Jericho universe and into a world of their own, much to our delight. We thank you all, both old fans and new, for continuing to provide an audience for these two crabby old ladies.

Entrecard: July Top Droppers

We would like to recognize and thank our top droppers from July. Thank you!



Sonnie's Porch

Life from the vantage point of an Assistant Vice President.



Regretful Morning

Ever wake up in a puddle of your own piss and vomit, not knowing where you are or how you got there? Or maybe rolled over one morning only to find a wildebeest laying next to you. Most of us love these stories and have a few to tell.



Untreatable's Blog

A inside perspective into living with a multitude of mental disorders from Depression to Borderline Personality Disorder to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Generalized Anxiety Disorder.



Robin's Woods

Life out in the boonies, nostalgia. Also featuring original photography by Jennifer Robin. Be one of my top 10 Entrecard droppers and get featured in an RSS widget above the fold.



Photography by KML

Photography by KML features the fine art and stock images of photographer, Kathy Libby. KML specializes in Landscape and Nature photos. The stock photos include concepts, food, backgrounds, abstracts, sports, architecture, transportation, and people.



Amy Lillie Designs

A visual experience of my art, photography, jewelry, including gifted Etsy artists and many more as I cruise along....



Note: We thank the sewing mom for tagging us for her meme but we recently completed a quirks meme in June.

Thank you Lynne.

Edna: Home Sweet Home

Well folks, here I am back from my vacation, and I am pleased to see that our blog is still up and running. I admit, I didn’t know what kind of mischief Margie would get into with me gone, and I was worried that she’d get so out-of-control that the FCC might close us down or something. She seems to have taken mighty good care of the blog, so I guess I owe her some gratitude for that.

As you can see though, my sister has made herself scarce for my return. She’s probably taken Cousin T and hidden them both away somewhere. And you know, I’m not a bit surprised that they’re hiding out, considering what the two of them did to my bedroom while I was on vacation! I have told her a thousand times to leave my things alone, and I was even nice enough to let Cousin T use my room while I was gone—with a few rules, mind you. So I don’t know where in the Sam Hill she got the idea that I wanted an Extreme Bedroom Makeover!

You know, this is just like her, she gets a wild hair and then just barges on ahead and does as she pleases. I swear, she’s no better than those Biddys I went to Florida with. I won’t get started on those two, since I’m sure none of you want to read any more about my harrowing experiences. Let’s just say that I wasn’t sorry to see the back of the Biddy bus as it left town.

Anyway, Margie and Cousin T had better keep a low profile for a while, because when I find them I’m going to kick their patooties to kingdom come and back. I swan, I no sooner leave town than those two get in the special tea and start getting all kinds of crazy ideas.

Now, you all will have to pardon me, I have to go unpack. And since I know that my bedroom makeover was just Margie’s excuse to go snitch my valuables, I’ll be taking inventory in her room and getting my things back. She’d better not have stolen my Supernatural DVDs again, or that will just be the last straw! Tell me folks, can you divorce your sister?

Celebrate Our 100th Post

Margie: Edna is still on vacation so she's missing our 100th post. Yes, it's hard to believe that we have made 100 blog posts. That's the same number as years our Granny lived. Lordy knows I couldn't stand 100 years of Edna. She's the reason the word crabby was invented.

Being the kind person I am, though, I will extend Edna's thanks along with mine to all of you for making 100 posts possible. We're just delighted that you all have seen fit to visit my Basement and leave us comments from time to time.

Please do continue to drop by and visit us. We really do love all our visitors even though we especially like gentlemen callers. I apologize for Edna's bad behavior here at times but she was just born ornery.

Margie and Edna Get An Award

We were honored to receive this award from Carols Personal Blog and we thank her for it.


"The "Arte y Pico" award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and their talents, whether it be writing, artwork in all media's. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to at least 5 others."


Here are the 5 bloggers we are passing this award along to.


We love pretty pictures and Kathy Libby has beautiful landscape and nature photos.
KML Photography


We love everything that this blogger makes, especially her bags! Every time she displays her newest sewing project, it makes us want to learn how to sew. But for now, we'll just have to content ourselves with lusting after her sewing skills.
The Sewing Mom


I'm not a crafty type person but this blog makes me wish I was. It's very well-written and informative.
The Craft Therapy

This blogger performs a multitude of services, all so the rest of us don't have to. From getting a kitten to having scoliosis, she does it all. And she does so with such great humor and aplomb, it's always a treat to read about her experiences, even the not-so-great ones.
I Do Things


This blog provides a wonderful service to people and animals alike. Get the latest fitness news and see some animal videos. And her Entrecard card makes us laugh every time we see it.
Buddy's Fitness

Margie and Edna: Quirks

We were tagged by On The Bricks.

First, here are the rules:

1. link the person(s) who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.


Margie: I don't believe I have any quirks but let me think. Here's 3:

1. I hate the way my sister, Edna, lives on the phone. She only does it to get out of doing her share of the work around here. Nobody could possibly want to talk to her that long.

2. I don't like big crowds. I think 2 is a party. Well, if one of them is my gentleman friend then I consider it a party.

3. I hate having to hide my chocolate bars but I have to because I live with a thief.


Edna: Here are my quirks. And don't listen to anything my sister says, she's full of hot air.

1. I like sleeping with my feet outside the covers, even in the winter time.

2. I don't like eating onions on anything, although I do love to eat sour cream and onion dip (when my sister isn't hogging it all).

3. I don't like to go to bed with a dirty kitchen or a sink full of dishes. This is my sister's nightly chore, and needless to say I often end up doing it for her, since she's usually too busy in the basement to be bothered with housework.


We do not wish to make anyone uncomfortable about participating so we are not tagging anyone per se. We are listing the top Entrecard droppers on the Basement, and they are more than welcome to participate if they'd like.


1. The Success

2. Student's View

3. Regretful Morning

4. So Now What

5. CK Marketing

6. Chica & Pumuckl - Funny Cats in Egypt

Margie and Edna: Blogs We Love

Margie: Edna, I do love reading a good blog. One of my favorites is called Obscure History. It's not about you although you are the most obscure piece of history I can think of.

Edna: Never you mind about my age, dagnabbit, just tell our readers about the blog!

Margie: This blog has stories about little known events in history plus some thoughts about current events. You should read it.

Pearls of wisdom about little known facts/events in history and day to day life. A little social commentary on current events is also possible to be found here as well.

Edna: Oh my, that does look interesting. I’ll have to start spending more time there.





Margie: Here's another favorite of mine, Edna. I love this pretty cottage. I can see myself living there with 12 animals because they'd be a lot friendlier than you.

This blogger is very creative and I think we could be good friends. Anybody who loves animals and writing is fine by me.

Edna: Oh, I love that site, too! She posts pictures from her garden too, and they are always just lovely. You know, Mama always said that people with green thumbs have a special heart, and I agree.

Margie and Edna Interview Cousin T

We've known Cousin T since he was in short pants, and we would really like for our readers to get to know him better. He's always willing to help out two old ladies with whatever they ask of him. Also, his sense of humor knows no bounds, which makes him perfect for our blog. Please welcome Cousin T.


1. Cousin T, you only went to 3rd grade in school. How did you learn carpentry skills?

I went to third grade four times fore I give up and decided schoolin' weren't for me. I would be settin' around in class lookin' at all the baseboards and casin's encirclin' the room and takin' note of how it all come together. It is a pity no one ever thought to ask me what I was thinkin' about so they could apply it to the learnin' they was tryin' to impart.

I think this happens a lot. What I mean is I think a lot of kids slip thru the cracks because of teachers who don't have the time nor inclination to do the investigative work to meet them half way with things. Fractions in math meant nothin' to me on paper but sprung to life on the flex'ble blade of a tape measure. I think there should be more emphasis on findin'out how a kid is thinkin' and then learnin' from that how to teach and guide 'em.

Anyhow after I quit school I was told that fartin' around the house weren't no option and my Pappy got me a job helpin' out the local Carpenter Valter whose name was spelled Walter but he was Swedish so he pronounced it Valter.

Valter grew up livin' near the Baltic sea. He once found a pregnant mare in the icy water. He got his brothers and they actually rolled the mare into their boat and took the horse home and nursed it. Word came 'round that a farmer from about 15 mile away had lost the mare into the Baltic so Valter and his brothers returned the horse to him. Do you know when that foal was born and had grown into a colt the man came 'round and gave it to valter?

So, I learned Carpentry from Valter.


2. What do you like to do in your spare time?

My sister Sadie and I get together and make matryoshka for fun. For you folk's who don't know, matryoshka are the little russian nestin' dolls that fit one inside of the other. I make the forms and Sadie paints 'em. We make them with all kinds of themes like the british royal family and characters from Doctor Seuss and the Godfather. We made one once that had all the cousins includin' Margie and Edna. Ask anybody, Sadie has a knack for capturin' a likeness. I like reading them Sherlock Holmes stories and Nero Wolfe too and then of course there is YouTube.


3. Cousin T, you seem to spend a lot of time watching YouTube. What do you look for in an "entertaining" video, one that makes you watch it all the way through?

Well, I like something to take me by surprise and show me a side of things I have never considered before. In carpentry I think that every room no matter how plain should have some sort of feature. It could be as simple as rosettes in the casing but just a little somethin' special. I feel the same about videos

Here is one that blew my mind. I like it when they do that too.





4. A little birdie mentioned that you enjoy Greek mythology; do you have any favorite myths?

I like the one about the maiden Coronis who was so beautiful that even Apollo loved her but she loved a mere mortal and a white raven went to Apollo and told him of her prefrance. Well, Apollo got mad as can be and punished the messenger by turning his feathers black. A lot more happens but I do not want to spoil it for you. Sometimes I pretend that I am the mere mortal that Coronis loved and that ole mad Apollo seeks me out to smite me. I have a lot of fun comin' up with tricks I would play on ole Apollo if that were the case.

Coronis wouldn't love me though because I am not an Asshole. I have noticed that a lot of times really pretty girls like assholes. Can I say that on your blog?


5. Cousin T, how would you solve the problem of this high cost of gasoline?

I generally sling my bag over my shoulder and hop a train out of the Junction to take me near where I want to go. If I have a pressing appointment or I need to drive Miss Margie or Miss Edna to the doctor I will take the pickup. But I do not think high gas prices are a problem I think the problem is that folk's don't make enough money.

Thanks for listenin' to that Ree-mote Axis gal and askin' to interview me!


Thank you Cousin T!

Tag: You're It

Rich at Copywrite Ink got tagged to do 7 useless facts about himself then he tagged 12 great blogs to participate if they so chose. He chose us as one of his 12 and why wouldn't he? He loves the basement and Special Tea.

Anyway, we will offer the blogs we tag the option of participating or not. You are certainly under no obligation to do anything two little old ladies request. We hope you enjoy our little tag game.

Our 7 Useless Facts:

1. Margie: This is the most useless fact I have. I have a sister named Edna.

2. Edna: I was a paramour of Minnesota Fats for a time in my youth, and he taught me everything I know about playing pool. This is why the pool players down at Bailey’s turn and run when they see me coming.

3. Margie: I was the librarian for Jericho for more years than I care to mention. This is why I'm smarter than Edna.

4. Edna: As a girl, I spent a year in Paris, France. If you want more details about that, I understand there are quite a few in my FBI file.

5. Margie: I have a weakness for a handsome cowboy. Any handsome cowboy. Well, he doesn't have to be a cowboy.

6. Edna: The name “Edna” is of Hebrew origin and means “pleasure” or “delight”, which is certainly accurate since I’m such a pleasure to be around.

7. Margie: I have a dog named Arabelle. One of my gentlemen friends, Jonah Prowse, gave her to me.



Here are the blogs we'd like to tag:

Turnip Of Power


Pixelated Thoughts


NoFaceBerg


The Sewing Mom


On The Bricks